Mpumalanga: The South African government has launched a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab and a Centre of Specialisation in Mpumalanga. These initiatives aim to develop a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the evolving global economy. The centers are part of a broader strategy to position Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as key drivers of economic growth and social transformation in South Africa. Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the significance of these developments during the inauguration of the Gert Sibande TVET College 4IR LAB and Centre of Specialisation Millwright Workshop.
According to South African Government News Agency, the establishment of these centers is crucial for connecting education with industry and empowering young people with forward-looking skills. The Deputy President emphasized that the initiatives will help South Africa play a more prominent role in global technology and human progress discussions. He pointed out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is significantly influencing cognition, operations, and problem-solving in today’s world.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 indicates that by 2030, the division of tasks between humans and machines will be nearly equal. AI could displace 92 million roles but also create 170 million new jobs globally, resulting in a net gain of 78 million. The Deputy President stressed the importance of higher education institutions partnering to prepare individuals for opportunities in an AI-driven economy and to provide retraining pathways for those displaced by technological advancements.
Mashatile emphasized that AI should serve as a transformative force in rural industrialization, enhancing productivity and expanding market access across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services. He stated that the government’s commitment to leveraging AI is to empower and not erode, to strengthen and not weaken, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the technological transformation.
The 4IR Digital Innovation Lab and Centre of Specialisation aim to create a platform for inclusive innovation, where research is aligned with societal needs, and the future workforce is centered around people. The Deputy President stressed the need for AI transformation to be guided by wisdom, compassion, and responsibility, ensuring technology promotes inclusion rather than exclusion.
Addressing issues such as unemployment, inequality, and poverty, particularly in the context of the digital divide, Mashatile noted the importance of integrating technology with human agency, cultural context, and moral leadership. The success of AI will be measured not just by efficiency but by its ability to enhance social cohesion and expand opportunities.
For South Africa to successfully adopt AI, a workforce skilled in data literacy, cloud computing, ethical governance, and applied AI integration is crucial. The government is working on a comprehensive response through the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy, which will set national priorities and sector-specific strategies. This policy aims to build capacity, improve digital infrastructure, and integrate AI into education at all levels to cultivate a talent pipeline.
The policy also envisions AI hubs and super-computing facilities to support startups and small enterprises, distributing benefits across communities.